In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Garrett Savard
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm originally from Edmonton, AB and I've been living in Kelowna for 10 years now.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my wife Siobhan, she has a wicked sense of humour and our conversations are always fun and deep.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
My wife and I visited Bali, Indonesia a few years ago and it was the experience of a lifetime. Bali is a small island north of Australia and it is incredibly diverse with people, the food is delicious and the weather is nice and hot.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I would say my favourite local store would be Saigon Restaurant located on Bernard Ave. The food is awesome at a very reasonable price and the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming.
What is your favourite activity?
Skiing with friends and family during the winter and wake-boarding on the water during the summer.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I'm a sucker for home-cooked burgers.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I'm profoundly deaf and I've often misheard what a person has said and I've taken conversation to a completely different angle because of it…
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Winning the gold medal in Hockey in Davos, Switzerland in the 1999 Deaflympics.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I remember as kid in the 80's, my family and I would visit my Grandparents in Edmonton during the NHL playoffs. All of my aunts and uncles and a few crazy friends of my parents would watch the Edmonton Oilers win five Stanley Cups. It was awesome to watch the Great One and the Oilers annihilate every team and to be the champions. It was a very special to be in the City of Champions during the dynasty.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I mentor young deaf people between the ages of 14 and 20 and help them with their struggles of everyday life. I show them that being deaf is not always disability but it can be a blessing at times and that it does define who they are. I show them how to overcome the challenges of being deaf. It takes a LOT of work and if you have a social circle and parents, you can overcome the disability and be anything that you want in life if you put your mind to it.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To eliminate bullying and that everyone would accept that being different is okay.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Going to the beach on a hot sunny day.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The gym.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see our lakefront and shorelines remain free of development. The beaches and walkways are what make this city great and is a reason why there's such high activity. I think most people would agree with me.
If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
To be able to keep that wish until the day I need it.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm can't stand disorder.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Norsteel Building Systems Ltd.
What does your business do?
Norsteel Building Systems supplies and erects pre-engineered metal buildings throughout British Columbia.
Where can people find your business online?
www.norsteelbuildingsystems.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been fascinated with how structures are designed and built. I really enjoy helping clients get the building they need and want that is within their budget.
What is the goal of your business?
Norsteel strives to deliver an experience to clients that is friendly, approachable and reliable.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Being profoundly deaf, communication has always been a struggle for me in work and in life. I work very hard in making sure that I don't miss anything and to be a better listener.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
The journey to get where I am today has been awesome! I learned from my failures and it has helped me grow to be the person I am today. I would not change anything.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
When you shop locally rather than a nationally-owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, and farms, continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I'd like to give Debby Savard a huge shout out because she is the most selfless, caring and happiest person I know!
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Corrine Wade of Kare Physiotherapy
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna!
